Legalism is based on the assumption that Human beings are selfish creature who only act based on our own self-interest. Which is why a strong legal system is required in order to maintain peace and order.
But, in terms of giving punishments, legalism is considered to be lenient.
Legalism favored criminal punishments that is aimed to rehabilitate rather than to punish. The punishment's for crime under a legalism system will be paired with educational programs that is aimed to increase the skills of the criminals. When they're get out from their jail/prison , the criminals will be ready to enter the work force.
